Indonesian Christians sought solace on October 7 in churches in the city of Palu, hard hit by an earthquake and a tsunami that roiled central Sulawesi, killing 1,649 people and seriously injuring some 2,500 people.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim country, but there are Christian communities throughout the archipelago.

During a service in front of the Santa Maria Church in Palu, a priest encouraged locals to have faith in God and stay in Palu to rebuild the city.

“If we all leave, then who will welcome those who come here to help us?” Yohanes Salaki asked his congregation, speaking from outside the church as the inside remains unsafe because of damages caused by the earthquake and tsunami.

Palu resident Etna Rorimpande told VOA’s Indonesian service that “we have to give ourselves to God, have faith on Him, and believe that God will always take care of us.”

Another Palu resident I Nyoman Sarna said that though he is sad and worried about his fate, he think he and his family will stay in the city.

“We have to rebuild our town. Who else will do that?” he said. The United Nations said in a statement that 113 people remain missing after the twin disasters. About 70,000 people have been displaced.